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Gibraltar row: Spanish PM Mariano Rajoy hopeful about talks | Gibraltar row: Spanish PM Mariano Rajoy hopeful about talks |
(35 minutes later) | |
Spain's PM has said he hopes talks with UK will end the current row over Gibraltar, but pledged to "take legal measures to defend the interests of Spanish citizens" in the meantime. | Spain's PM has said he hopes talks with UK will end the current row over Gibraltar, but pledged to "take legal measures to defend the interests of Spanish citizens" in the meantime. |
Mr Rajoy called for negotiations between Spain, the UK, Gibraltar and the government of Andalucia, according to El Pais newspaper. | Mr Rajoy called for negotiations between Spain, the UK, Gibraltar and the government of Andalucia, according to El Pais newspaper. |
Relations between Gibraltar and Spain have deteriorated recently. | Relations between Gibraltar and Spain have deteriorated recently. |
This is partly due to a row over increasingly thorough border checks. | This is partly due to a row over increasingly thorough border checks. |
"Spain will take legal measures," Mr Rajoy told reporters after a meeting with King Juan Carlos of Spain | "Spain will take legal measures," Mr Rajoy told reporters after a meeting with King Juan Carlos of Spain |
"It will take proportionate measures that don't discriminate against anyone, but of course it will take legal measures to defend the interests of Spanish citizens. | "It will take proportionate measures that don't discriminate against anyone, but of course it will take legal measures to defend the interests of Spanish citizens. |
"But I hope this goes no further." | "But I hope this goes no further." |
On Wednesday, a spokesman said UK Prime Minister David Cameron had raised "serious concerns" with Mr Rajoy over deteriorating diplomatic relations between the two countries. | |
A phone call between the two heads of government followed increased vehicle checks at the border between Spain and Gibraltar, causing major delays for tourists and residents. | A phone call between the two heads of government followed increased vehicle checks at the border between Spain and Gibraltar, causing major delays for tourists and residents. |
After the call, Mr Cameron said he was very clear that Britain "will always stand up for the people of Gibraltar". | |
The Spanish foreign minister has reportedly mooted bringing in a new 50 euro (£43) fee on every vehicle entering or leaving the British territory. | The Spanish foreign minister has reportedly mooted bringing in a new 50 euro (£43) fee on every vehicle entering or leaving the British territory. |
The increased border checks came after a decision by Gibraltar to drop 70 concrete blocks into the sea next to its territory, which Gibraltarian authorities said would create an artificial reef and encourage sea life to flourish. | The increased border checks came after a decision by Gibraltar to drop 70 concrete blocks into the sea next to its territory, which Gibraltarian authorities said would create an artificial reef and encourage sea life to flourish. |
But the Spanish government has accused Gibraltar of laying the blocks "without the necessary authorisation" in "waters that are not theirs", contravening environmental laws and damaging Spain's fishing industry. | But the Spanish government has accused Gibraltar of laying the blocks "without the necessary authorisation" in "waters that are not theirs", contravening environmental laws and damaging Spain's fishing industry. |